Break the Mold!

I finally did it. No. I didn't land a job. What I did do was take a chance.

Up until now I have been using the same old cover letter for my resume submissions. Not the exact same letter but one that looks the same and sounds the same except for a few new words (i.e., employer name, job title). Oh, I called myself customizing it to make it appear original but it really wasn't. It was more like a ...template.

My template starts out the same way each time: "Attached is my resume for consideration for the xyz position in your office". It used to read "Enclosed is my resume...;" however, I changed that a few days ago because the majority of my resumes are uploaded electronically. I'm not enclosing anything in an envelope anymore. I felt the word "attached" was a more accurate description. But I digress.

Today while searching for job openings online, I found a posting that really got me excited. This job has my name written all over it. I want it so bad. Correction. IF the money is right AND if the job really is how it is described in the posting then I really do want it. So. I figured this would be as good of a time as any for me to do it. What's it? IT is this. I tore up my old cover letter (the template) and rewrote it from scratch.

I took a blank piece of paper and wrote down what I really want the person screening resumes to know about me. Everything else, I omitted. I wanted to make it clear in my cover letter that I am not like anyone else applying for this job. I'm different because of my life experience, work experience and education. I'm unique.

My revised cover letter opens with a sentence that reads something like this: "It took awhile before I understood that product knowledge and returning phone calls quickly do not guarantee client retention and revenue growth". I know it isn't profound but it is a true statement AND it's a bit of an attention-grabber. I think it says to the person reading the letter that I took the time to think before I wrote the cover letter. That, in my opinion, reflects experience and maturity.

It may have further implications. If I am too lazy, during the application process, to take the time and write an original cover letter, what corners will I cut once I'm hired? If I can't motivate myself to go the extra mile to make myself look good on paper to find a job, what will and who can motivate me after I'm hired? I think this is important especially when applying for jobs that require little supervision. For those of us who are not looking for average jobs that pay average salaries, we must always put our best foot forward. We must always go above and beyond. That mindset, that attitude, that philosophy needs to be apparent from day one when the application is received, until day 99,999 when the retirement papers are handed in.

I challenge you to re-evalulate the correspondence you are submitting to prospective employers. Take a 2nd and 3rd look at it. Tear it up. Start over. Be creative. Be honest. Be yourself.

MTV has a new (at least new to me) series called Hired. MTV calls it a "doc series". In Hired http://www.mtv.com/shows/hired/series.jhtml , cameras follow college grads as they attempt to find jobs - real jobs. I watched it today for the first time and enjoyed it. In fact, it may have been the catalyst for me to break the mold today. A recruiter complimented one applicant on her unique resume format. The applicant used different fonts in her resume and a more modern layout for her work experience and education. It almost looked as if a graphic artist had a hand in designing it. The employer who interviewed the applicants noticed and commented on some typos in another applicant's work. She was not offered the job. What applicants write down on paper really does get noticed.

So, if you are still looking for work, stop! Before you upload your next cover letter, tear up the template and write a new one. One that will reflect not only your real interest in the position but also your spirit - that thing that makes you unique. You have nothing to lose and an interview to gain.

SCOREBOARD
Jobs Applied For: 34
Rejections: 4
Interviews: 0
Job Offers: 0